Air-leak Syndrome, an Indication to Initiate Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO) in a Newborn
1997
Abstract
The authors describe the case of slightly pre-term newborn with severe respiratory distress syndrome leading within aggressive ventilatory support to air-leak syndrome (pneumothorax, pneumopericardium) and the urgent need for initiation of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation to maintain circulatory stability and adequate oxygenation. ECMO was performed for 105 hours with maximum extracorporeal support up to 50% of cardiac output (Biomedicus pump BP50, Jostra oxygenator M8).
The patient was succesfully weaned and switched to conventional ventilation with consequent extubation.